THE SDR PILOT PLANT: A STEP FORWARD IN SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

May 26, 2025

With sustainability and innovation driving industrial progress, we are pleased to support the realization of the SDR (Super-Dry Reforming) pilot plant for the Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) at Ghent University. This groundbreaking project represents an important step towards a circular economy and a more sustainable future.

What is SDR and Why is it Important?

SDR technology focuses on maximizing carbon monoxide (CO) production from (bio)methane (CH₄) and CO₂. Carbon monoxide is an essential raw material for the production of renewable chemicals, contributing to the development of more sustainable industrial processes. This project is supported by the Moonshot Flanders program, which aims to develop groundbreaking technologies to tackle todays and tomorrow’s climate challenges.

Technological Advancements and Impact

This advanced pilot plant facilitates the conversion of CO₂ into valuable raw materials, which not only reduces emissions but also bridges the gap towards a carbon-neutral chemical sector.

The Chemical Looping pilot system designed for this project can perform a wide range of gas-solid reactions at elevated pressures and high temperatures. The system consists of several components built into separate modules, all connected via a general process backbone.

One of the key technological innovations in this project are the reactors, which Zeton designed and manufactured itself to withstand extreme conditions of >900 °C and 25 bar(g), with CE marking. The high temperatures required unique materials and sealing solutions to ensure reliable performance. Another key feature is the very fast gas switching system.  Zeton’s ‘first-time-right’ approach ensured that challenges and risks were addressed upfront, leading to faster and more effective results.

Collaboration and Success

The realization of this project was only possible through strong collaboration between academic and industrial partners. Key stakeholders include the Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) at Ghent University, Catalisti, Flanders Industry Innovation Moonshot, and Zeton’s project team. Thanks to our integrated approach, we have accelerated market readiness without compromising the reliability of both project execution and plant operation.

We look forward to following the further developments and impact of SDR technology and continuing to contribute to groundbreaking sustainable solutions.